The
ActBlue Netroots page feels a little lonely, as does the
Netroots Allies page (which are our strongest incumbent champions). Go pay it a visit. And while most people motivate to contribute to a race at the last minute, the money goes much, much further this far out in advance.
Late money goes into television ads and the consultants who make a pretty mint from them. Early money goes to the real workhorses of a campaign -- staff, and the sort of things that help raise a candidate's name ID over time, like bumper stickers, lawn signs, mailings, etc. And, early money pays for fundraisers to raise more money.
Remember where EMILY's list's name comes from: Early Money Is Like Yeast -- it helps the dough rise. By the end of September I'd love to see Ciro Rodriguez and Francine Busby at the bottom of that list. So go and drop even $5 in one or three or five of the candidates on the list. Or, alternately, contribute to your favorite local candidate.
It's not as exciting or glamorous to contribute in the middle of summer, without dramatic fundraising goals or things like that. But we've got an advantage now in races around the country. Help provide our candidates the resources they need to press that advantage.
Some other Senate races not on the Netroots page that could use some love:
Jack Carter (NV-Sen)
Claire McCaskill (MO-Sen)
Sheldon Whitehouse (RI-Sen)
Amy Klobuchar (MN-Sen)
As for House races, there are too many to list. Everyone -- and I mean EVERYONE -- should send at least $25 to a House candidate near you. National races might be fun, but people-power is strongest when it manifests at home. Everyone has a competitive House race somewhere nearby. Get involved.